The records are typewritten,
signed transcripts of statements made to police investigators by multiple
witnesses to homicides committed in New Orleans. Each witness is
identified by name, age, address, and race. The officer taking the
statement is also identified. The original, often "colorful," language
used in the verbal statements generally is retained in the transcripts.

In some cases additional documents are included with the transcripts:
copies of the official homicide report, directives from the Superintendent
of Police, and other memorandums.

The records are missing for the
following periods: July-December, 1932; 1934; May-August, 1936; 1939; and
1943-1944.